Level I

To become Level I certified, participants must attend seven classes, complete class exams and assigned projects for a total of 74 hours, or 7.4 CEU's.

The training process combines classroom lectures, discussion, and group exercises with in-facility projects to be completed between classes. and demonstrate competence by completing course exams and required projects.

The BOC program is pleased to announce the implementation of the new scheme classes in the Level I course series. New classes will be widely available in 2013. The classes support the BOC operator skill standard by devoting more content to the topics of HVAC controls, common opportunities for operational improvements, and building scoping for energy efficiency. The new course series will provide building operators with knowledge and skill enhancement in the key activities associated with energy efficient building operations. 1001-1006 are core classes, complemented by one of the supplemental classes which are selected by area program administrators to enhance the BOC training experience to specific regions throughout the country.

BOC 1001 - Energy Efficient Operation of Building HVAC Systems (Core)

Provides an overview of the Building Operator Certification program and fundamentals of building systems. Focuses on operation and maintenance of envelope, central heating, cooling, air and ventilating systems in buildings. Emphasis is placed on group problem-solving and exercises with respect to preventive maintenance. Two-day class.

Operators learn how energy is used in commercial buildings and how to identify and prioritize conservation opportunities. Includes basic principles of energy accounting, evaluation of fuel options, operation and maintenance strategies to improve efficiency, and energy management planning techniques. Participants will learn how to perform quantifiable evaluations of their facilities' energy use in order to be able to target prospects for energy conservation. One-day class.

Covers lighting fundamentals and types of lighting for economical and energy efficient lighting systems. Participants learn principles of efficient lighting including evaluation of lighting levels, quality and maintenance. Other topics include lighting fixture and control technologies, common upgrades, retrofit and redesign options, and management strategies as they apply to space use and function. One-day class.

Provides an introduction to automatic control systems and equipment, particularly for central air systems. Participants will learn to target possible inefficiencies in their HVAC systems and to evaluate potential problems as part of an enhanced operation and maintenance program. One-day class.

Introduces the basic causes of indoor environmental quality problems and begins to develop a method of diagnosis and solution. Students will gain an understanding of the dynamic components of indoor environmental quality in relation to source control, occupant sensitivity and ventilation. Emphasis will be placed on communications with building occupants for reliable investigations without aggravating existing issues. One-day class.

This class introduces common opportunities that offer the greatest energy savings potential. This module examines typical areas and problems associated with different system types and equipment as well as tools and techniques for identifying opportunities. One-day class.

Participants will learn basic electrical theory, safety procedures, power distribution, and energy conservation to develop a practical understanding of electricity and its use in commercial facilities. Participants will learn basic troubleshooting in order to effectively work with licensed staff and/or contractors with ongoing electrical problems and maintenance support. One-day class.

Participants will learn O&M best practices for green or high performance buildings including exterior site issues, water efficiency, cleaning products, material and supply purchasing, energy, and indoor environmental quality to improve the performance of both existing buildings and newly-designed green buildings. One-day class.

Focuses on creating a prioritized scope of work for finding opportunities for energy saving operational adjustments. The content includes presentations and group discussions as well as hands-on information gathering and analysis. Participants will be required to work through an e-learning module as well as collect and analyze data from their facility prior to attending the class. These exercises involve 2-3 hours of preparation before the in class presentation and discussion. One-day class.

Covers the theory, design, and operational practices for displacement ventilation strategies, under-floor air distribution systems, and naturally ventilated and mixed mode strategies in buildings. Participants learn about new HVAC equipment technologies being installed in high performance buildings. The course covers the financial, energy, operations, maintenance and indoor environmental quality considerations related to high performance HVAC equipment. Examples of high performance HVAC equipment are also presented in the course. One-day class.

Covers the theory, design, and operational practices for displacement ventilation strategies, under-floor air distribution systems, and naturally ventilated and mixed mode strategies in buildings. Participants learn about methods for capturing heating and cooling energy before it is vented or wasted, and about related technologies currently available in the market. The course covers the theory, design and operational practices for energy recovery from air and water source systems. Examples of energy recovery equipment are also presented in the course. One-day class.

Participants learn about new HVAC equipment technologies being installed in high performance buildings. The course covers the financial, energy, operations, maintenance and indoor environmental quality considerations related to high performance HVAC equipment. Examples of high performance HVAC equipment are also presented in the course. Participants learn about methods for capturing heating and cooling energy before it is vented or wasted, and about related technologies currently available in the market. The course covers the theory, design and operational practices for energy recovery from air and water source systems. Examples of energy recovery equipment are also presented in the course. One-day class.